Updates
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. My parents coffee stand has had shows every week, work is the usual 3-11, Taco (my best friend), and the immigration stuff. Some recent news has finally shed light on movement dates and a time line I have to get things wrapped up here in the states. There is happiness and sadness in the workings of this all; I'm trying to focus on the positives.
Galloping Goodies
Galloping Goodies, the coffee stand we have setup this show season has been an experience. My parents bought the rights to the stand from two older retired women who decided they wanted more time with their grandchildren- the shop took up what time they had. We renamed it and changes some of the merchandise around; a fresh coat of paint to personalize it. Galloping Goodies, a name chosen by me as it is situated at a riding club and is open during the horse shows, is a coffee stand which offers spectators and exhibitors fresh hot coffee, hot chocolate, tea, cookies, muffins, bagels and various other cold drinks like soda, sports drinks, juice, and water. I designed some smoothie recipes to cater to the cup sizes we use, mom added fruit kabobs, chips and nuts, and some other little changes as we learn what is in demand per show. It is a fun venture with it's drawbacks. It's great to see my parents doing it though, they enjoy having something on the side (they both still work full time at the Hershey Medical Center). I pitch in where I can with my time, ideas and designs- the name, logo, recipes are mine; I hope that is enough of a base for them to build upon when I leave for Canada.
Work
Work is the normal blah-blah; I loath even starting my car to go. Hey, I supply Hershey candy, put it into boxes and displays, stack it, then send it down the conveyor to be shipped out across the world. Most of the people are immigrants who refuse to talk English or help others learn their language. There are a select few who are really fun to chat with; I know I have learned a lot about the world from just talking to some of my coworkers. Most are from Puerto Rico but we get people from India, Russia, Ukraine, Korea, China and several African countries. It is diverse, very few American born however, and the others let you know it. Working as a temp has had its rewards and also drawbacks: when I need the time to visit my partner I can take it with no worry of losing my job but... the pay is rather skimpy and the work is monotonous. From my start in February '07, I have gained muscle mass but also joint soreness and back problems. Women are only there to pack while men have to do the lifting and supplying- it is very sexists and that strikes a cord with me as many of those women are bigger than I am. I guess there are just some things that are, and there is no changing them- I'll be gone soon anyway.
Taco, a tearful reminder
The deal is that I can not afford to take him with me to Canada, and if I got him shipped out there I would have very little time nor funds to keep him in the type of conditions I have him in now. Thus, the need to find him a good home became painfully necessary. I have been throwing the benefits of my parents keeping him, but they fear doing something wrong and I know the poor horse just wants to go out and do his thing (show, work, play, learn, etc.). A lease is a hard thing to deal with because you really don't know how someone is going to take care of the animal, never like you would anyway. So I have been clinging to a cliff on it.
Well, a former classmate from college called about Taco. She has a client in New Jersey who is in need of a mount but can not afford to purchase one. The 13yr old daughter has Cystic Fibrosis, as does one other sibling in the family. Hospital bills are high and come at random and a horse is a constant bill. The family has the money to board and pay bills on a horse, just not front a lump sum in case a hospital bill were to arise. They came out on Sunday to look at Taco; the night prior I fought with a lease agreement that protected the horse (first and foremost), myself, and the lessee. The contract I designed made it possible for them to take the horse as long as they provided appropriate care, housing, and conditions for Taco. If something were to render him unfit to do what is intended for him while in their care, they are to pay full price for him ($20,000). I did make it so that if they were caught with little money, they could give me (at least) a two week notice that they are unable to keep him and I would take him back under my care. The contract is more to keep his health and cover everyone in case of the worst were to happen, with horses you plan for EVERYTHING and then some.
Sunday the girl came out and was giddy as all get out. She got on him and was at complete ease. It was a good match with size, her face was bright and Taco seemed to enjoy it too. A little mishap happened when two Harley riders blasted by but she stayed on and never made any notion to want to dismount. The mom then got on too and all was good.
They all went out to lunch to talk things over, I sent the paperwork with them to look over- any questions they had they could ask me. When they came back they were beaming. With contract in hand, they asked if I was ok with Taco going; a nod and holding back the emotions I signed the agreement and got his things together. The girl was overjoyed and the mom just smiled as if angels had blessed the day.
I did the right thing- the girl needed brightness in her day and the family was in need of that saving grace. It hurts to see something you have cared for, confided in, loved, adored... I can go on and on but simply, Taco was my life. He is going to be in good hands, they can learn as he teaches them all a thing or two, they have promised to keep in contact, and I still own him. The mom, Kelly, wrote me an email just the other day: “All is well for Taco. Driving home behind the trailer Meg held her breath. She would have preferred to stand in the trailer with him. W arrived home later then expected, but still had fan fare. He is attached to Renee's mare (Cleo). They are turned out together. Happy Couple. I can't thank you enough for such a wonderful opportunity for my daughter. If it makes you feel any better- your tears of sadness has brought tears of happiness for my family. For that I am sooo great full.” Now I know I truly did the right thing. I only hope he means as much to them as he has for me- my friend, my brother, my only real care in this whole world... I miss dear Taco.
Canada update
Ok *sniffles a bit more, deep breath and continues*, so onto the immigrations report. I had received my ok for Permanent Residency in Canada, I just needed to send in my passport to be stamped. That done and I got it back JUST last week; the time clock has been set!
I am given a time span of a year from my physical (done in May) to move. Jarett and I had talked about options: staying the holiday season through, leaving as soon as possible, or settling things down on both ends. I decided on settling things down but trying to get going as soon as possible. My horse is being taken care of, my things are mostly packed, I can leave my job whenever I want, now it is basically left to funding and shipping. I put a deposit on a moving company, it is going to cost me close to 3K, but it was a better option than a U-Haul and paying for gas. I am still waiting on paperwork and a pick-up date but my plane ticket has been purchased and in just a little bit here I'll be off to be inspected once more and hopefully LAND finally in Canada. Much happiness and yet so much sadness... it is going to take a bit to settle in, get over some issues, and feel like I am at home. I do hope I fit in better and that there is room in the community for the likes of me- I guess we will see.
~~____/>
...//.....)\...
I'll keep everyone posted on things as best I can. Excitement and preparation plans have kept me busy thus far but I do plan to have things under control enough to give me a week of relaxation (ha-ha) before I head off... cheers and jeers.
Here is a little artwork to show my gratitude to Canada for all they have done: Copyrights to the signed artist, this is not my work.
P.S. Sorry for being here and there with entries/emotions too, and to those who I have not been in contact with for some time. I am trying to get life under control. I do remember you all and want so badly to pick up the phone (or get online) and chat but when I have the time there is always something that pulls me away: the dogs, horse, details around the house. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN: Kelly B., Charles C., Michelle R., and the many others I have failed to keep up with. SOON!
Galloping Goodies
Galloping Goodies, the coffee stand we have setup this show season has been an experience. My parents bought the rights to the stand from two older retired women who decided they wanted more time with their grandchildren- the shop took up what time they had. We renamed it and changes some of the merchandise around; a fresh coat of paint to personalize it. Galloping Goodies, a name chosen by me as it is situated at a riding club and is open during the horse shows, is a coffee stand which offers spectators and exhibitors fresh hot coffee, hot chocolate, tea, cookies, muffins, bagels and various other cold drinks like soda, sports drinks, juice, and water. I designed some smoothie recipes to cater to the cup sizes we use, mom added fruit kabobs, chips and nuts, and some other little changes as we learn what is in demand per show. It is a fun venture with it's drawbacks. It's great to see my parents doing it though, they enjoy having something on the side (they both still work full time at the Hershey Medical Center). I pitch in where I can with my time, ideas and designs- the name, logo, recipes are mine; I hope that is enough of a base for them to build upon when I leave for Canada.
Work
Work is the normal blah-blah; I loath even starting my car to go. Hey, I supply Hershey candy, put it into boxes and displays, stack it, then send it down the conveyor to be shipped out across the world. Most of the people are immigrants who refuse to talk English or help others learn their language. There are a select few who are really fun to chat with; I know I have learned a lot about the world from just talking to some of my coworkers. Most are from Puerto Rico but we get people from India, Russia, Ukraine, Korea, China and several African countries. It is diverse, very few American born however, and the others let you know it. Working as a temp has had its rewards and also drawbacks: when I need the time to visit my partner I can take it with no worry of losing my job but... the pay is rather skimpy and the work is monotonous. From my start in February '07, I have gained muscle mass but also joint soreness and back problems. Women are only there to pack while men have to do the lifting and supplying- it is very sexists and that strikes a cord with me as many of those women are bigger than I am. I guess there are just some things that are, and there is no changing them- I'll be gone soon anyway.
Taco, a tearful reminder
The deal is that I can not afford to take him with me to Canada, and if I got him shipped out there I would have very little time nor funds to keep him in the type of conditions I have him in now. Thus, the need to find him a good home became painfully necessary. I have been throwing the benefits of my parents keeping him, but they fear doing something wrong and I know the poor horse just wants to go out and do his thing (show, work, play, learn, etc.). A lease is a hard thing to deal with because you really don't know how someone is going to take care of the animal, never like you would anyway. So I have been clinging to a cliff on it.
Well, a former classmate from college called about Taco. She has a client in New Jersey who is in need of a mount but can not afford to purchase one. The 13yr old daughter has Cystic Fibrosis, as does one other sibling in the family. Hospital bills are high and come at random and a horse is a constant bill. The family has the money to board and pay bills on a horse, just not front a lump sum in case a hospital bill were to arise. They came out on Sunday to look at Taco; the night prior I fought with a lease agreement that protected the horse (first and foremost), myself, and the lessee. The contract I designed made it possible for them to take the horse as long as they provided appropriate care, housing, and conditions for Taco. If something were to render him unfit to do what is intended for him while in their care, they are to pay full price for him ($20,000). I did make it so that if they were caught with little money, they could give me (at least) a two week notice that they are unable to keep him and I would take him back under my care. The contract is more to keep his health and cover everyone in case of the worst were to happen, with horses you plan for EVERYTHING and then some.
Sunday the girl came out and was giddy as all get out. She got on him and was at complete ease. It was a good match with size, her face was bright and Taco seemed to enjoy it too. A little mishap happened when two Harley riders blasted by but she stayed on and never made any notion to want to dismount. The mom then got on too and all was good.
They all went out to lunch to talk things over, I sent the paperwork with them to look over- any questions they had they could ask me. When they came back they were beaming. With contract in hand, they asked if I was ok with Taco going; a nod and holding back the emotions I signed the agreement and got his things together. The girl was overjoyed and the mom just smiled as if angels had blessed the day.
I did the right thing- the girl needed brightness in her day and the family was in need of that saving grace. It hurts to see something you have cared for, confided in, loved, adored... I can go on and on but simply, Taco was my life. He is going to be in good hands, they can learn as he teaches them all a thing or two, they have promised to keep in contact, and I still own him. The mom, Kelly, wrote me an email just the other day: “All is well for Taco. Driving home behind the trailer Meg held her breath. She would have preferred to stand in the trailer with him. W arrived home later then expected, but still had fan fare. He is attached to Renee's mare (Cleo). They are turned out together. Happy Couple. I can't thank you enough for such a wonderful opportunity for my daughter. If it makes you feel any better- your tears of sadness has brought tears of happiness for my family. For that I am sooo great full.” Now I know I truly did the right thing. I only hope he means as much to them as he has for me- my friend, my brother, my only real care in this whole world... I miss dear Taco.
Canada update
Ok *sniffles a bit more, deep breath and continues*, so onto the immigrations report. I had received my ok for Permanent Residency in Canada, I just needed to send in my passport to be stamped. That done and I got it back JUST last week; the time clock has been set!
I am given a time span of a year from my physical (done in May) to move. Jarett and I had talked about options: staying the holiday season through, leaving as soon as possible, or settling things down on both ends. I decided on settling things down but trying to get going as soon as possible. My horse is being taken care of, my things are mostly packed, I can leave my job whenever I want, now it is basically left to funding and shipping. I put a deposit on a moving company, it is going to cost me close to 3K, but it was a better option than a U-Haul and paying for gas. I am still waiting on paperwork and a pick-up date but my plane ticket has been purchased and in just a little bit here I'll be off to be inspected once more and hopefully LAND finally in Canada. Much happiness and yet so much sadness... it is going to take a bit to settle in, get over some issues, and feel like I am at home. I do hope I fit in better and that there is room in the community for the likes of me- I guess we will see.
~~____/>
...//.....)\...
I'll keep everyone posted on things as best I can. Excitement and preparation plans have kept me busy thus far but I do plan to have things under control enough to give me a week of relaxation (ha-ha) before I head off... cheers and jeers.
Here is a little artwork to show my gratitude to Canada for all they have done: Copyrights to the signed artist, this is not my work.
P.S. Sorry for being here and there with entries/emotions too, and to those who I have not been in contact with for some time. I am trying to get life under control. I do remember you all and want so badly to pick up the phone (or get online) and chat but when I have the time there is always something that pulls me away: the dogs, horse, details around the house. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN: Kelly B., Charles C., Michelle R., and the many others I have failed to keep up with. SOON!